8TH ANNUAL POETRY CONTEST
April is National Poetry Month. It was established by the Academy of American Poets in 1996.

The Gleason Public Library is hosting its 8th annual poetry contest in celebration of National Poetry Month this April. This year’s theme is “space.” All ages are welcome. Winners will be selected for the following age groups: ages 8 and younger, ages 9-12, ages 13-17, and ages 18+. First place winners will receive $100 cash prizes, recognition at the poetry reception on Saturday, May 19th, at 1 p.m. and their poems will be printed in the Carlisle Mosquito.

All entries must be received by 2 p.m. on Friday, April 13th.

This event is supported by the Friends of the Gleason Public Library.

CHILDREN

MR. VINNY THE BUBBLE GUY
Tuesday, April 17 | 10:30 a.m.
Using giant bubble wands he designed and constructed, the Bubble Guy himself will gather kids for an hour long game of watch, chase, and pop the bubbles! Big, giant, beautiful bubbles will fill the air above and all around us while Mr. Vinny makes jokes, answers questions, and creates a whole lot of fun.

In the case of inclement weather, Mr. Vinny will put on a shadow puppet show full of humor and fun inside the library. This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Gleason Public Library.

BABY KNEADS ASL PROGRAM WITH SHERYL WHITE
Thursday, April 5 | 10:30 a.m - 11:15 a.m.
This drop-in workshop provides benefits, research, as well as ways to teach your baby many American Sign Language signs. The class is taught by Sheryl White, who has used the Sign with Your Baby program by Joseph Garcia with her own children. This class is appropriate for babies and young children 2 months or older and pre-verbal. It will be held in place of our regular Baby Storytime block.

SPRING BABY STORYTIME
Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. | through May 17
Baby Storytime is ideal for acquainting babies, toddle rs, and young children with the library, literature, language and music, as well as for them to bond with their parents and caregivers and meet new friends! The program lasts about 15 minutes followed by open playtime. This is a drop-in event; no registration is necessary. Our Spring Baby Storytime Sessions will meet on Thursdays at 10:30am, March 29 through May 17. Ages best suited but not exclusive to 0-3.

SPRING PRESCHOOL STORYTIME
Thursdays at 1:15 p.m. | through May 17
Story times encourage literacy skills and language development. Come to our preschool storytime where several picture books are read aloud, followed by a theme-related activity or craft. Be on the lookout for special guest readers too! Pre-registration is required. Sign up beginning Monday, March 12, by clicking the "Sign Up" button or calling the library at 978-369-4898. Ages best suited but not exclusive to 3-6.

KIDS' BOOK CLUBS
Come join one of our book clubs for grades 1 through 4 at the Gleason Library. Visit http://gleasonlibrary.org/kids-book-clubs.htm for more information and to register (required).

ADULTS
ARTMATTERS: PORTRAITS IN ART (rescheduled)

Wednesday, April 4 | 1:30 p.m. at St. Irene Church
A portrait is much more than a picture of what someone looks like. A portrait can document the history of a whole family, or a single individual’s journey. It can be about an era of time, a culture, an event, or the experience of youth or age. It can tell stories, be self revealing or serve as a commentary of social values or political institutions. Join us for a look at the many possibilities of the Portrait in art. Share your own point of view.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Gleason Library and the Friends of the Carlisle Council on Aging. Refreshments generously provided by Life Care Center of Acton, a Short Term Rehabilitation and Long Term Care Facility.

Registration requested - click here to register. If you have already registered for any other lectures in this series, you do not need to register again for this date.

DROP-IN KNITTING GROUP   
Fridays, April 6 and 20 | 10:15 a.m.
Drop-in knitting group - come share your expertise, see what others are working on, and socialize with friends and neighbors. This group is led by Jackie Engelhardt. Any questions, you can reach Jackie at jpengelhardt39@gmail.com.

ART AT THE GLEASON: FOUR PART HARMONY 
works by Brenda Cirioni (oil painter), Louise Hara (jewelry),
Mollie McPhee (photography), and Aaron Slater (glass artist)

On exhibit March 31-June 2, 2018

Reception: Friday, April 6, 7-9 p.m.
Music by the Carlisle Jazz Quartet
Wine & Refreshments, $10 admission (cash or check at the door)

Click here to RSVP

COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
Monday, April 9 | 10:30 a.m.
April: Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell
The best-selling author of Blink identifies the qualities of successful people, posing theories about the cultural, family, and idiosyncratic factors that shape high achievers, in a resource that covers such topics as the secrets of software billionaires, why certain cultures are associated with better academic performance, and why the Beatles earned their fame.

The Carlisle Community Book Club meets monthly at the Library, usually on the second Monday, at 10:30 a.m. Advance registration is not required. Contact Mary Zoll or call the library at 978-369-4898 for more information.

REPLANTING LIVES UPROOTED BY MENTAL ILLNESS: SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES 
Tuesday, April 10 | 10:30 a.m.
Mara Biere, Certified Family Life Educator, President, Grow A Strong Family, Inc. (www.growastrongfamily.org) will facilitate a support group at the Gleason Public Library.

This is a support group that focuses on strategies for managing when loved ones have mental illnesses. Join us!

This month: Communicate more effectively  In this session, we explore various ways to communicate more effectively, especially when our loved ones are unwell.  We will practice some of the strategies including the LEAP model developed by Dr. Amador (I'm not sick, I don't help), the seven steps of an I-message that makes sense, and basic listening skills.

Folks of all ages and from all towns welcomed.

SEVEN STEPS TO MANAGING YOUR MEMORY: WHAT'S NORMAL, WHAT'S NOT, AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
Tuesday, April 10 | 1:30 p.m.
Do you have the following questions about your memory? If you do, then this talk is for you!
•  Is it normal to have concerns about your memory?
•  What are the markers of mild cognitive impairment, dementia, Alzheimer's, and other neurodegenerative diseases?
•  How should you convey your memory concerns to your doctor?
•  What can your doctor do to evaluate your memory?
•  Which healthcare professional(s)  should you see?
•  What medicines, alternative therapies, diets, and exercises are available to improve your memory?
•  Can crossword puzzles, computer brain training games, memory aids, and strategies help strengthen your memory?
•  What other resources are available when dealing with memory loss?

About Dr. Budson:
Dr. Andrew Budson, M.D., is Associate Director & Education Core Director, Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Professor of Neurology, Boston University; Lecturer in Neurology, Harvard Medical School; Chief of Cognitive & Behavioral Neurology at the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System

Presented by Gleason Public Library and Carlisle Council on Aging. Free and open to all ages; registration requested as space is limited. Click here to register. Dr. Budson will have copies of his book available for sale.

TRIVIA
Saturday, April 14 | 10:30 a.m.
Do you love playing Trivia?  The Carlisle Council on Aging is trying to determine if there is enough interest to have a Trivia morning!  Folks 12+ from any town are welcome.  We have a wonderful volunteer who has hosted many a Trivia game and is willing to help and facilitate if there is interest. 

So, if this sounds like fun and you can make time on April 14, from 10:30 am to 12 noon, please register by calling the COA at 978-371-2895 no later than April 7.  If there is enough interest, we will look into having a Trivia game on an on-going basis.

GENEALOGY SKILLS: USING CENSUS RECORDS
Saturday, April 14 | 2 p.m.
With local genealogist Claire Smith.
Click here to register for this event.

BRAIN HEALTHY COOKING...FOR ONE   
Tuesday, April 17 | 1:30 p.m.
Through this one-hour Brain Healthy Cooking demonstration, Senior Living Residences’ chefs will show you how to prepare multiple tasty dishes using a short list of healthful staples, helping you cut the waste  and stretch  your  shopping  budget  when cooking for one! Please call the COA at (978) 371-2895 to register. Carlisle Community Conversations, presented by Carlisle Council on Aging and open to all

YOUR EYES AND HOW TO CARE FOR THEM AS YOU AGE    
Wednesday, April 18 | 1:30 p.m.
Dr. Ann Burnham will present an informative talk on your eyes and how to care for them as you age, including information on what issues may arise and on cataract surgery and macular degeneration.

Dr. Burnham, a Carlisle resident, has practiced at Lexington Eye Associates for over 20 years, is on staff at Emerson Hospital, and is Board Certified in Ophthalmology.  She attended Columbia University and did her post graduate training at New England Medical Center.

Presented by Carlisle Council on Aging and Gleason Public Library

Registration requested; click here or call 978-369-4898.

TASTE OF (INDIAN) PARSI CUISINE WITH RITA JAMSHED KAPADIA 
Saturday, April 21 | 2 p.m.
Heritage and history of food of India

THE MYSTERIANS BOOK GROUP
Monday, April 23 | 7 p.m.
Book to be Discussed:  Darktown, by Thomas Mullen

READING POETRY ANEW
Tuesday, April 24 | 10:30 a.m.
Dip or dive into the pleasures of poetry. This informal course, led by Mary Zoll, will include poetry readings and reactions, discussions of the patterns and techniques used in the poems, and perhaps some intellectual understanding of the poems. This class meets one Tuesday a month, at 10:30 a.m. in the Hollis Room. Open to anyone interested in experiencing poetry; preregistration is not required. Mary Zoll has published a few poems and read a multitude of poems.

AGING BACKWARDS FOR THE SPINE, BRAIN, & BODY!   
Tuesday, April 24 | 1:30 p.m.
Presented by Dr. Deborah Diamond D.C. This exciting and valuable presentation will describe how the spine can be restored to a more youthful state of flexibility and upright posture and the positive impact this can have on your brain and overall health. Dr. Diamond has been in practice for 20 years and specializes in a non-forceful, Light-Touch technique  that  is  deeply  relaxing,  stress  reducing  and 100% safe for people of all ages, including seniors. She is also a TEDx speaker and wellness educator.

Please call the COA at (978) 371-2895 to register by Tuesday, April 17. Carlisle Community Conversations, presented by Carlisle Council on Aging and open to all.

CREATE A POPPY DAY FOR ART WEEK
Saturday, April 28 | 11 a.m.
Location:     Hollis Room and front lawn-weather permitting

TECHNOLOGY/LIFE BALANCE WORKSHOP FOR FAMILIES   
Tuesday, May 1 | 7 p.m.
We live in a digital world and technology is here to stay. How do we manage the overwhelming increase in technology use knowing it can't be avoided?

Join us for an interactive, engaging workshop on the roles technology and social media play in our lives. Come learn how to maximize your use of technology with mindful intention as opposed to mindless distraction. You will learn the latest research on why our children are so attracted to screens and how together, you and your children can take control of technology use, rather than being used by it. Learn strategies that will help you and your family find the balance of an on-screen life and off-screen life and get some tools to help you live your life with intention, and increased focus.

MUSEUM PASSES OF THE MONTH
The Friends of the Gleason Public Library provide a wonderful opportunity to our Carlisle residents. With your library card, you can get discount passes to over 20 museums and other events in the area. To reserve your museum pass, click here and use the calendar at the upper right to pick a day, or call (978)369-4898.

This month we are highlighting the Concord Museum and the Discovery Museum. Highlights of the Concord Museum include:

The Discovery Museum in Acton has just reopened after renovations. The all-new museum combines the best STEAM exhibits from the original museums—for little kids, big kids, and adults—and many exciting new ones!

Indoors: Discovery Museum
Your new museum is ready! Come explore reimagined exhibits—and many new ones!—from both original museums, now combined into one beautiful space for all ages to play, explore, and learn. There are intimate, immersive experiences for our youngest learners and new galleries of STEAM experiences for all ages. All exhibits are hands-on, low-tech, open-ended, and interactive, to encourage play and exploration. Come play and learn together!

Outdoors: Discovery Woods
Come on a nature adventure, starting with the coolest, biggest treehouse you’ve ever seen, and built by DIY Network's The Treehouse Guys! Bounce the wiggly bridge, sway in the nest swing, explore the treehouse, and climb the cargo net…on your way to explore our woodland nook, rain garden, beaver lodges, and acres of adjoining conservation land. Discovery Woods is inclusive and fully accessible.  And, it is open year-round!